Dillon looks to gain some momentum going into the playoffs as it takes on archrival Alumni tonight at 7 at Riehle Field.
"We want to go into the playoffs clicking on all cylinders," Dillon senior captain Alex Duffy said.
Dillon will also look to improve its playoff seed with a win.
"This game has to do with being the No. 8 or the No. 7 seed," Duffy said. "Either way we have a tough opponent, but I would much rather be a lower seed."
The Dawgs come into tonight's game at 0-3, but a game against Dillon always gives them reason to come out and play.
"It's obvious right now that we have nothing to play for except pride," Alumni captain Bret Shapot said. "What makes this game even bigger for us is it is against Dillon. When we play Dillon, it makes no difference whether we are 3-0 or 0-3."
Alumni will look to finish the season strong and begin preparations for next year.
"All our younger guys are going to play a big role in this game," Shapot said. "At the same time, the veterans are going to get one final shot on the field. Everyone's going to make a contribution, and if we can come away with a win, that's all I can ask for. Then Alumni can ride that into next year."
Duffy stressed the importance of keeping his team focused.
"Last year we came into the Alumni game 0-3 and helped spoil their season. The roles are reversed this year and they are looking for some revenge," Duffy said. "It's a rivalry game and it's Interhall football. Anything can happen."
Keenan vs. Stanford
Gold League powerhouses Keenan and Stanford meet tonight at 8 in the Battle of the Chapel to decide who will finish the season undefeated.
"It is always good to beat Stanford. In fact, our rector pulled me into his office and told us to win," sophomore captain Pat Burns said.
The naming rights for the chapel shared by the two dorms is up for grabs, as is the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Keenan (3-0) is coming off its bye week after rolling over Alumni, 26-0. But Burns said his team still has work to do.
"We made a lot of mistakes. We need to try and cut out the holding penalties and move the ball forward," Burns said.
Rust is a definite concern for the Knights, who have not played a game in a week and a half.
"We have been working on a lot of offensive line [play]," Burns said. "We do not want to change too much, and we want to be ready."
Freshman Brian Castello, who Burns said has been playing very well, will call the signals for Keenan.
"He is really getting used to the whole Interhall thing," Burns said.
Leading the Knights' rushing attack is junior Alex Gonzalez, who is talented enough to be playing varsity ball, Burns said.
The Knights have relied on their strong defense for much of this year, however, having only given up six points in three games.
Countering Keenan is an equally talented and potent Stanford (3-0) football team. The Griffins enter tonight's game on short rest after winning a sloppy game against a mediocre Keough team Sunday.
"It should not have been as close as it was. We made a lot of mistakes," senior captain Rob Huth said.
The Stanford defense has been just as strong as Keenan's, holding opponents scoreless until the fourth quarter against Keough.
The Griffins' defensive line, led by sophomore defensive tackle Rob Huguelet, has been especially solid.
The Stanford offense has a good mix of new and old faces, including several explosive players at the skill positions, highlighted by junior quarterback Brian Salvi and senior running back Tregg Duerson.
"If we want to win this game, we are going to have to have a complete game," Huth said.
